COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
SUBJECT:
Volusia County Opioid Advisory Board Member Appointment
DEPARTMENT:
Police
SUMMARY:
In 2023, the City of Edgewater, along with a majority of other Volusia County governments, joined in a class action lawsuit against seven drug manufacturers concerning the dangers of opioid use and addiction. The lawsuit resulted in a monetary settlement intended to address the impacts of the opioid epidemic. To oversee the appropriate allocation of these funds, a board was established to review funding opportunities and make recommendations to the Volusia County Council regarding expenditures that provide meaningful benefits to affected communities.
Since the board's inception, the City of Edgewater has maintained law enforcement representation, recognizing the important role public safety professionals play in addressing substance abuse, addiction, prevention, enforcement, and community recovery. On September 22, 2025, the City Council appointed Chief Charles Geiger to serve as Edgewater's representative, replacing then Chief of Police, now City Manager, Joseph Mahoney.
To further diversify the public safety perspectives represented on the board, staff recommends the appointment of Acting Deputy Fire-Rescue Chief Robert Barlow as the City's representative. This appointment will incorporate the Fire Department's perspective on emergency medical response, overdose intervention, and the community impacts of opioid abuse, providing a more comprehensive approach to evaluating the use of opioid settlement funds.
BUDGETED ITEM: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ Not Applicable
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ Not Applicable
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to appoint Acting Deputy Fire-Rescue Chief Robert Barlow to the Volusia County Opioid Advisory Board.